Eligibility Requirements

The following guidelines are to help determine eligibility of children referred to the program. The guidelines may be considered discretionary but must be regarded as standard for service delivery.

AGE

Boys and girls ages 6-12 will be considered for a math in the Community-based program. There may be some exceptions as to age per grant requirements (i.e. Amachi program allows children ages 5-15). Children who have reached their 13th birthday will be closed, unless by discretion of Case Manager, their individual need or involvement in a particular program extends their stay on the waiting list.

RESIDENCY

Children must be living in families residing in Genesee County or attend school in Genesee County.

RACE, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN

No restrictions.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

A child should be in good general health with exceptions receiving strict attention and documentation on the parent/caregiver/youth interview and match rules card. All medical restrictions and medication should be discussed at Match Introduction and documented on the Match Rules Card. There are no restrictions with regard to physically impaired individuals.

MENTAL HEALTH

The mental and physical health of a child is discussed at the in-home interview with the parent/caregiver. The Case Manager will document any special needs of the child and requirements for matching. Occasionally the referral source will be a school or other counselor who may share special needs of the child as a part of the referral with parental permission.

PARENT/CAREGIVER INVOLVMENT

The legal custody of a child must be clarified. The visitations specified by court order must also be considered. If the custody remains with a parent/caregiver, special precautions must be taken to ensure that the worker obtains permission to process the referral in writing from the parent/caregiving not residing in the home.

A boy may not be eligible for the program if he sees his father more than one time per month. Exceptions are made (ex. a boy with a grandfather in the home) on an individual basis and reasons for need of a mentor should be discussed with the VIce-President of Programs. A girl may not be accepted who has either parent/caregiver or both living in the home but can be accepted only if there is a need for a mentor.